Why do people say new mothers must hold their child(ren) as soon as they are born to bond with their babies?

Question

Is that an old wives’ tale or is there some scientific basis?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Other people have mentioned the benefits of oxytocin for milk production and bonding, but there’s another important effect.

Oxytocin stimulates contraction of the uterus, which is extremely important to stop bleeding.  A synthetic form of oxytocin (Pitocin) is routinely given for this reason.